AB 1085 originated in response to isolation of Casey Kasem by his wife. The original bill only addressed visitation in step-family relationships.

With encouragement from California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) and Coalition for Elder and Dependent Adult Rights (CEDAR), language in the bill was expanded to address ALL adult relationships, which includes all elders and individuals with developmental disabilities.

We appreciate Assembly Member Gatto’s office working with us on the language of the bill.

SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares that every adult in this state has the right to visit with, and receive mail and telephone or electronic communication from, whomever he or she so chooses, unless a court has specifically ordered otherwise.